How to Renew a Passport

The steps to renew a passport depend on a few factors including the age of the applicant and how quickly the passports needs to be renewed. Requirements are different for each situation. A summary of descriptions is provided for each situation below followed by links to more detailed information.

Adult Passport Renewal

U.S. citizens who were issued passports at age 16 or older can apply for a renewal by mail as long as their previously-issued passports are not significantly damaged nor been expired for more than 5 years.

The procedure include mailing a completed passport renewal form DS-82 with the previously-issued passport, a recent passport photo and payment for fees to the address on the form. Evidence of a legal name change is also required, is applicable.

Passport Renewal for Minors Ages 16 & 17

Minors ages 16 and 17 cannot renew passports by mail. They must apply in person for new passports at a nearby application acceptance facility.

Those with a valid photo ID do not need to be accompanied by a parent as long as parental awareness can be demonstrated. This can be done by a signed statement consenting to issuance of a passport from at least one parent (should be accompanied by a photocopy of that parent's ID).

The form that is submitted in this case is DS-11. Supporting documents include evidence of U.S. citizenship, identification document, photocopy of ID and a recent passport photo. Payment for the application fee is sent with the form while the execution fee is paid to the Acceptance Agent.